Newly elected North Island-Powell River MP Aaron Gunn has been appointed to the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Gunn notes the committee represents multiple industries in the riding, including recreational and commercial fishing, and aquaculture.

Gunn says, more importantly, that the committee represents a way of life that is central to many coastal communities and more than a dozen First Nations.

In a statement, Gunn said for years ,people who make their living on the ocean have been punished by what he calls “punitive legislation and arbitrary closures that jeopardize their livelihoods and ability to feed their families.”

In a post on X, Gunn said he looks forward to “standing up for the amazing fishermen and aquaculture workers of Canada, while ensuring policy is guided by science and common sense - NOT ideology and politics!”

The group is having its first meeting today, and will be electing a committee chair.